Ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) is found in the rocky areas of the Eastern Atlantic Ocean.
As its well known within different wrasse species, they all start life as females and the largest/ most dominant will turn into a male and be the only male within the group to breed with its fellow females, ensuring the strong future for this species.
The male wrasse will build nests for his females to lay their eggs and protect these nests until the eggs hatch.
Usually starting life as a shade of green to blend in within the algae environment, they become darer in colour as they mature turning a very deep green or even deep red/ brown colour with lots of tiny white spots all over. At full maturity they can grow to be an impressive 50cm long.
Type
Fish
What do they eat?
Small fish, small shellfish and marine worms
Size
50cm
Water Type
Salt Water
Where are we?
UK Waters